Northern Ireland’s First and Deputy First Minister today called off their trade mission to America a second time following the Craigavon killing.

Boosted by a united political front in the Assembly, Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness had been due to travel together today to deliver the message that the Stormont administration needs bolstered by international investment.

While more than a day late, they had been expected to pick up their schedule which was to include six cities culminating a week today on St Patrick’s Day in Washington.

Officials in Belfast and the US were working to reschedule a number of meetings.

The DUP leader flew to London immediately after yesterday’s Assembly debate to hear Gordon Brown’s statement to the Commons following his three-hour visit to the province, and was joined in London by Mr McGuinness last night.

Mr Robinson, who led the emergency debate, said it was a moment of truth in which the entire province was being tested.

“Our future isn't dependent on the evil of those who seek to destroy our society, but rather it depends on the good that there's found in those throughout our community who want to build a stable, peaceful and democratic society,” he told MLAs.

Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams said there was no support whatsoever in the republican or nationalist communities for what happened and his party would support the apprehension of those involved.

In a show of solidarity, they were supported by the Ulster Unionist, SDLP, Alliance, PUP and Green Party leaders.